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Falcons Win 2-1

January 15, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Fresno Falcons defenseman Dustin VanBallegooie's goal 25 seconds into the third period held up as the game-winner, and goaltender Jamie Hodson made 31 saves in Fresno's 2-1 victory against the Alaska Aces at Sullivan Arena. The Falcons remain unbeaten in the New Year with a record of 6-0-1 in 2005.

After a scoreless first period, the Aces jumped out front just 20 seconds into the middle stanza. The league's top scoring tandem, Scott Gomez and Chris Minard, combined on a two-on-one with the former dishing his league-high 35th assist and the latter driving home his league-best 26th goal of the season. Fresno responded, though, when Dan Tessier and David Brisson combined to find Mike Kiesman back-door on the power play at 8:19, and the Falcons headed to the third period tied at one despite getting out-shot 12-5 in the second.

Fresno turned the tables on Alaska with a quick goal to start the third. Tessier cut over the Aces blueline and left a drop pass for VanBallegooie, who beat Aces goaltender Lance Mayes top shelf for his third of the season just 25 seconds into the period. Hodson proceeded to keep Alaska off the board for the remaining 19:35, stopping 11 shots in the period, as VanBallegooie's goal held up for the final margin. The rookie defenseman also had the game-winning goal during Fresno's last game on Monday in Las Vegas, a 4-2 decision over the Wranglers.

The Falcons move a season-high five games above .500 to 18-13-4 overall, reaching the break-even point for this first time this season on the road at 7-7-2. Their 40 points keep them in a fourth-place tie with the San Diego Gulls, one point behind the third-place Aces.

Fresno and Alaska play the finale of this two-game set in Anchorage tomorrow. The live play-by-play radio broadcast on 103.1 FM, The Mountain Cat, begins at 8:05 p.m. Pacific with the pre-game show. The Falcons then return home on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. for a tilt against the Pensacola Ice Pilots at Save Mart Center. Tickets are now on sale for as low as $8 per seat and may be purchased directly at the Save Mart Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 485-TIXS (8497) or online at www.ticketmaster.com.



ECHL Stories from January 15, 2005


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